Compositions Comprising Probiotic and Prebiotic Components and Mineral Salts, with Lactoferrin

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compositions comprising probiotic and prebiotic components, mineral salts, lactoferrin, and possibly saccharomycetes, which perform correct, effective colonisation of the probiotic components administered, with enteric consequences which involve maintaining and/or restoring intestinal health and preventing the consequences of common dysbioses of the digestive tract caused by stress, incorrect dietary habits and antibiotic treatments. Said compositions also have a concomitant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating action.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2010/020712, filed Jan 12, 2010 and claims thebenefit from Italian Patent Application No. MI2009A000019, filed Jan.12, 2009. The content of this application is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions comprising a probiotic,more specifically

Bifidobacterium longum, and a carrier material comprising prebioticmaterials, mineral salts, and lactoferrin will not only have improvedand/or enhanced survival of the probiotic species, but also performseffective colonization of the probiotic components administered withenteric consequences of common dysybioses of the digestive tract causedby stress, incorrect dietary habits, antibiotic treatments, illness andthe like. Said compositions also have a concomitant anti-inflammatoryand immunomodulating action. Additionally, the invention is directed tomethods for enhancing and/or improving the survival and viability of aprobiotic organism with the compositions described herein.

The compositions of the present invention can be used for thepreparation of nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical-gradeproducts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of matters which may benecessary for maintenance of their environment, health and nutrition. Inresponse, scientific research has focused upon the roles that diet,stress, and modern medical practices (e.g. antibiotics and radiotherapy)may play in threatening human health. In particular, population dynamicsshifting towards older societies are increasing the incidence ofillnesses which may be caused by deficient or compromised microflorasuch as gastrointestinal tract (GIT) infections, constipation, irritablebowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—Crohn's diseaseand ulcerative colitis, food allergies, antibiotic-induced diarrhea,cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers (e.g. colorectal cancer).

In recent years the commercial manufacture and marketing of functionalfoods (foods which affect functions of the body in a targeted manner soas to bring about positive affects on physiology and nutrition),particularly probiotic containing foods, has spread from thewell-established Japanese niche market place into the globalmarketplace. While a number of probiotic bacteria of human origin arenow being exploited commercially the science is still emerging not onlyregarding potential applications of such products but also on how toimprove the efficacy as well.

Probiotics have been defined as live microbial food supplements whichbeneficially affect the host by improving the intestinal microbialbalance, or more broadly, as living micro-organisms, which uponingestion in certain numbers, exert health effects beyond inherent basicnutrition. Cocktails of various micro-organisms, particularly species ofLactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have traditionally been used infermented dairy products to promote health. However to be effective,said probiotics must not only survive manufacturing processing,packaging and storage conditions, but also then must survive transitthrough the gastrointestinal tract so the probiotic material remainsviable to have a positive health effect.

The evolutionary history of man has been influenced by bacteria, notonly as regards epidemics. A less evident and more submerged influenceis that of commensal flora, especially the one resident in the humanintestine, which perform a major “protective” and “educational” role(the first role is performed on the whole body, and the second on itsimmune system), and constantly defend the individual against disease. Asis indeed well-known, under normal conditions, the skin and much of themucous membranes of the body are “inhabited” by a varied flora ofmicro-organisms, which are often tissue-specific. For example, thepredominant micro-organisms in the intestine (no less than 500 strainshave been identified to date), especially in the large intestine, areBacteroides spp., Clostridium spp, Fusobacterium spp Klebsiella spp.,Staphylococci, yeasts and Escherichia coli. This commensal microbialflora can be divided into two categories: “resident” flora, which isnearly always present and, if altered, can be rapidly restored; and“transient” flora, which can colonise in the host for short periods, dueto the lack of ability of transient flora to compete with the residentmicro-organisms or the host's defence mechanisms. Transient florasometimes also includes potentially pathogenic micro-organisms. Theexact composition of the flora is influenced by factors of microbialorigin and factors specific to the host. However, as these latterfactors (age, nutritional level, hormones and disease) are difficult tomodify, the analysis will focus on the former.

An important microbial factor which influences the composition of thecommensal flora is the ability of bacteria to adhere to the epithelialcells. Some bacteria present marked tropism (affinity) for particularepithelial cells. The normal flora can then interfere with thepotentially pathogenic micro-organisms by competing with them for thereceptors on the cell surface. Commensal flora can also interfere withpathogenic micro-organisms by producing bacteriocins, substances whichinhibit the growth of other bacteria (usually of the same species), orby providing an acidic environment through the production of short chainfatty acids or by competing for the same nutrients. Other usefulmechanisms are the stimulus to produce natural antibodies withcross-reactivity, or stimulation of clearance mechanisms. However, thelatter are much less important.

Due to these mechanisms, the normal flora forms an effective barrieragainst colonisation of the host's surfaces by pathogenicmicro-organisms. This is known as “colonisation resistance”.

As may thus be easily inferred, any phenomenon that reduces the effectof these microbial factors on the gastroenteric ecosystem can lead toserious problems for the health of the individual. For example,treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics eliminates all the commensalbacteria of the gastroenteric flora which are sensitive to theantimicrobial agent used. In this case, colonisation resistance isreduced, and potentially lethal micro-organisms are free to colonise themucosa. When the treatment is discontinued, the resident flora can berestored, obviously, with time. Unfortunately, however, aerobicGram-negative bacteria grow faster and colonise the mucous membranessooner than anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria, which proliferate moreslowly, although they constitute 99% of the commensal flora. In patientswhose immune defences are even only partly impaired, this imbalance cancause Gram-negative bacteraemia.

Other possible consequences associated with suppression of the normalflora by broad-spectrum antibiotics include excessive growth of yeastswith the appearance of mycosis, or excessive growth of the anaerobicGram-negative bacterium Clostridium difficile, which is unfortunatelyrelatively antibiotic-resistant. Its presence can lead to a series ofvery common disorders, ranging from diarrhea to colitis.

The immune system and its functions are the result of thousands of yearsof development, determined day after day by constant interaction withthe world of the micro-organisms, especially at gastrointestinal level.

It has been scientifically proved that aseptic conditions obtained withexcessive hygiene or excessive use of antibiotics does not represent asuccessful strategy in terms of individual health, especially in view ofthe excellent conditions of present-day life (compared with the recentpast). The damage which even partially aseptic conditions can cause iswell known, namely food intolerances, allergies and autoimmune diseases.These problems result from lack of contact between the commensal floraand the immune system. Through this everyday contact, the commensalflora teaches the immune system how to distinguish between “self” and“non-self”. A great deal of epidemiological evidence (and experimentaltests conducted, for example, with germ-free animals) proves thistheory.

A significant increase in the rate of food intolerances and allergies(up 40%), and autoimmune disorders (up 30%) such as multiple sclerosis,lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, has been observed in theeconomically developed countries since the Fifties and Sixties, inparallel with the reduction in mortality from infectious diseases (dueto the availability of more and more antibiotics). These increases arethe result of a substantial change in the quality and amount ofgastro-enteric commensal flora due to incorrect use of antibiotics andan increasingly stressful lifestyle and also, in the case of infants, toa reduction in breastfeeding. Indeed, it has often been reported thatbreastfed children suffer from fewer food intolerances and allergiesthan children who receive so-called “artificial” milk. Even morerecently, the same correlation was reported for multiple sclerosis (anautoimmune disease). Conversely, analysis of the morbidity ofindividuals who live in tribal environments (in parts of Africa, Indiaor inland Australia) where the lifestyle is primordial shows an almosttotal absence of diseases like allergies and autoimmunity (althoughthere is obviously a high rate of infectious disease).

Antibiotic treatment, stress and lack of breastfeeding, which alter thequality and amount of the gastroenteric commensal flora, reduce thechance that the commensal flora will come into contact with the immunesystem. As a result of this contact, the cells of the immune system,especially type 1 and 2 T-helper lymphocytes, are “taught” to tolerate(ie. not to respond to) food antigens and innocuous non-food antigens(such as pollens), or the proteins of the body to which they belong(thus preventing autoimmune diseases).

The exceptional importance of commensal flora for the present and futurehealth of each individual is therefore evident. However, humans are notborn with commensal flora. On the contrary, at birth, the gastroenterictract is sterile. Its colonisation is initiated at the moment of birthby the mother's vaginal and anal flora, in the case of a vaginal birthor by exposure to the environment outside of the womb in the case of acaesarean delivery and in both cases is subsequently influenced by thetype of milk given and by maternal/environmental factors. After theneonatal stage, the gastroenteric commensal flora of a healthyindividual consists of at least 10¹⁸ bacteria, 99% of which belong tosome 30-40 species.

This flora therefore consists of anaerobic germs (bifidobacteria,clostridia, bacterioids, eubacteria and Gram-positive cocci) and aerobicgerms (lactobacilli, streptococci, staphylococci and coliforms).However, these amounts are not equally distributed along thegastroenteric axis: the bacteria content is relatively low in thestomach (under 1 million per gram), but the amount increasessubstantially in the ileum (100 million) and enormously in the colon(100 billion).

Therefore there exists a need in the art for compositions that containprobiotic materials that not only survive the manufacturing processingconditions but that then can survive the gastrointestinal tract therebydelivering viable probiotic materials to the host in need thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In its broadest aspect, the present invention provides for a probioticcompositions comprising:a) one or more probiotic components, comprisingBifidobacterium longum and at least one species of bacteria selectedfrom the group of bacteria consisting of Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus plantarum; and b) a carriercomposition comprising: 1) one or more prebiotic components; 2)lactoferrin; 3) one or more mineral salts; and optionally 4)glutathione.

In a first aspect of the invention, it is preferred that that theBifidobacterium longum is Bifidobacterium longum R175 (“Rosell 175”),that the Lactobacillus helveticus is Lactobacillus helveticus R52(“Rosell 52”); that the Lactobacillus rhamnosus is Lactobacillusrhamnosus R11 (“Rosell 11”), and that the Lactobacillus plantarum isLactobacillus plantarum R1012 (“Rosell 1012”). Lactobacillus helveticusRosell 52 is also known in the industry as a Lactobacillus acidophilusspecies and therefore as used herein, Lactobacillus helveticus R52 mayalso be known as Lactobacillus acidophilus R52.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more prebiotic components areinulin and fructose. In another preferred embodiment, the one or moremineral salts is selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium,potassium and copper. In a most preferred embodiment the mineral saltscomprise zinc gluconate, magnesium gluconate and potassium citrate.

An aspect of the invention provides for a probiotic compositioncomprising: a) a mixture of probiotic components comprisingBifidobacterium longum 50 billion CFU/g; Lactobacillus helveticus 150billion CFU/g; and Lactobacillus plantarum 150 billion CFU/g; and b) acarrier comprising: 1) a mixture of prebiotics comprising about 80% ofthe total carrier composition; 2) lactoferrin in an amount of about 0 toabout 10% of the total carrier composition; 3) mineral salts selectedfrom the group consisting of magnesium, potassium and zinc salts,wherein magnesium is present in the carrier composition in an amount ofabout 0 to about 100%; wherein the potassium is present in an amount ofabout 0 to about 100% of the carrier composition; and wherein the zincis present in an amount of about 0 to about 100% of the carriercomposition; and 4) glutathione, wherein the glutathione in an amount ofabout 0 to about 20% of the carrier composition.

In yet another aspect of the invention, it is provided a probioticcomposition a) a mixture of probiotic components consisting ofBifidobacterium longum R175 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus R11; b) aprebiotic component comprising inulin and fructose; c) lactoferrin; d) amixture of mineral salts consisting of magnesium and zinc salts; and e)Saccharomyces boulardii.

In yet a further aspect of the invention is provided methods of use ofprobiotic containing compositions for the preparation of formulationsfor oral administration for the maintenance and/or restoration ofintestinal health and for preventing dysbioses of any aetiology inmammals.

In yet a further aspect of the invention is provided for a method ofimproving the survivability of Bifidobacterium longum bacteriacomprising: mixing the Bifidobacterium longum with Lactobacillushelveticus R52 and Lactobacillus plantarum R1012, wherein the survivalof the Bifidobacterium is improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In adults, antibiotic treatment, stress, dietary imbalances and disease(especially gastroenteric disorders) alter the quality and amount of thebeneficial commensal flora. The problem of achieving a fast, efficientrecolonisation process consequently arises. This process issignificantly facilitated by probiotics.

It has now been found that a combination of a specific mixture ofprobiotic components, more specifically Bifidobacterium longum, whenmixed in a carrier comprising (A) one or more prebiotic components, (B)lactoferrin, and (C) one or more mineral salts, and optionallysaccharomycetes, has improved survival of the Bifidobacteriumlongumspecies as well as performs a considerable health-improvingaction, maintains and/or restores the intestinal health, manages theconsequences of stress, and performs an anti-inflammatory andimmunomodulating activity. More specifically, the compositions of theinvention exhibit enhanced and/or improved survival of the probioticcomponents upon transit through the gastrointestinal tract.

The compositions according to the invention are therefore characterisedby a considerable symbiotic value (probiotic with supported prebiosis),with a strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating component, and arealso able to deal with changes in the fluid-salt balance. Theyconsequently markedly improve/restore the intestinal health, and alsohave favourable repercussions in preventing malaise, infections and allthe consequences of stress in general (especially physical andenvironmental stress).

Even though it has been shown that, at least for some probiotic strains,dead probiotics can elicit a clinical benefit, the clinical outcome inhumans for dead bacteria is not as robust as for the viable cells.Therefore, in order to produce a probiotic product that is capable ofeliciting the desired clinical effect, it is necessary to ensure thatthe probiotic containing composition has the highest percent cumulativesurvival of probiotics as they transit the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The inventors have found that combining Bifidobacterium longum, alone orin combination with one or more probiotic components, such asLactobacillus helveticus, and/or Lactobacillus plantarum with a carriercomprising prebiotic preferably inulin, fructose and/or FOS; mineralsalts comprising magnesium, zinc and/or potassium; lactoferrin; theBifidobacterium longum has increased survival through the digestivetract and therefore the compositions exhibit greater efficacy.

Probiotics are traditionally defined as a nutritional supplementcontaining (preferably) live microbes which favourably influence thehealth of the host by improving the microbiological balance. Probioticorganisms must also be:

-   -   normal components of the human intestinal flora or in any case        readily adaptable to that habitat ;    -   able to cross the gastric barrier, withstanding the action of        the bile acids and pancreatic enzymes;    -   capable of specific adherence to the intestinal epithelium;    -   easy to use in clinical practice.

The following probiotic bacteria meet the above definition:

-   -   lactic-acid-producing bacteria in general;    -   lactobacilli (acidophilus, helveticus, bulgaricus, plantarum,        casei, rhamnosus, lactis and reuteri);    -   Streptococcus thermophilus;    -   Enterococcus faecium;    -   Bifidobacterium bifidum and longum.

The mixture of probiotic components according to this inventioncomprises at least two species of bacteria selected from the group ofbacteria consisting of:

-   -   Bifidobacterium longum    -   Lactobacillus helveticus    -   Lactobacillus acidophilus    -   Lactobacillus rhaninosus, and    -   Lactobacillus plantarum.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the probiotic compositionscomprise Bifidobacterium longum.

These live and vital microbial agents are capable of rapid colonisation,which soon leads to performance of their functions:

-   -   1) protection by means of direct antagonism towards potentially        pathogenic populations (inhibition of adherence to the        epithelium; production of bacteriocins; competition for        nutrients and substrates; creation of unfavourable pH conditions        and redox microenvironments);    -   2) stimulation and teaching of the immune system (macrophagic        activation, boosting of natural killer cells, increased        production of interferons, and balancing of T-helper 1 and 2        populations).    -   3) acidification of the colonic environment by releasing        lactate, propionate and butyrate.

The scientific community has recently focused its interest on the studyand characterisation of those strains which seem to be the bestcandidates for the development of symbiotics (products containing bothprobiotics and prebiotics), namely lactobacilli (acidophilus,helveticus, plantarum and rhamnosus) and bifidobacteria. These differentstrains exhibit a variety of properties: ability to cross the gastricand bile barrier effectively; improvement of constipation and symptomsassociated with lactose intolerance; attenuation of diarrhea (includingtypes with a viral aetiology); production of bacteriocins; ability toinhibit pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Candida andColi; immunomodulation, and many others.

The genus Lactobacillus belongs to the group of lactic acid bacteria,which are Gram-positive prokaryotes. They are easily differentiated frombifidobacteria on the basis of their guanine and cytosine content, whichis under 54% (in bifidobacteria, said content exceeds 54%). The genuscomprises nearly 80 species, which are catalase-negative, immobile,sporeless, cytochrome-oxidase-negative, non-gelatin-hydrolysing andnon-indole-producing, with a saccharolytic and microaerophilicmetabolism. They also have particular nutritional requirements, namelysoluble carbohydrates, free amino acids, peptones, fatty acids and theiresters, salts, nucleic acids and vitamins. They are also classified onthe basis of the type of fermentation as obligate homofermenting,obligate heterofermenting and facultative heterofermenting species.

Lactic acid bacteria of the rhamnosus species in particular wereoriginally identified and selected from strains of human intestinalorigin. They have different specific characteristics which they onlypartly share with other lactate-producing bacteria:

-   -   1) from the immunological standpoint they improve the T and B        lymphocyte response and the “natural killer” (NK) response of        the CD56+cells;    -   2) from the clinical standpoint their use is an effective method        of combating various forms of diarrhea (including rotavirus,        travellers' diarrhea, diarrhea caused by antibiotic treatments,        and recurrent diarrhea caused by superinfections with        Clostridium difficile);    -   3) they are also reported to reduce colonisation of the upper        airways by pathogens. As regards colonisation, they are known to        be resistant to gastric acidity, bile and the high pH values        typical of the large intestine where, after colonisation, they        promote the proliferation of bifidobacteria by favourably        influencing the environmental conditions.

The genus Bifidobacterium comprises 28 species, and presents thefollowing general characteristics: Gram-positive, anaerobic, immobile,sporeless, catalase-negative, non-acid uric, pleomorphic andacetic-acid-producing (as well as lactate-producing). They also useammonium salts as a source of nitrogen, and are able to synthesise manyvitamins. Finally, their development is influenced by the presence ofbifidogenic factors (oligosaccharides and peptones).

As already stated, during their transit and colonisation, lactobacilliand bifidobacteria perform a series of actions, identifiable asphysiological, such as reduction of lactose intolerance; improvement ofintestinal motility; reduction of serum cholesterol; accumulation ofproteolytic enzymes, proteins and vitamins; regulation of nutrientabsorption; reactivation of the permeability of the intestinalepithelium; and improvement of the conditions of geriatric patients.

They are also characterised by “non-physiological” effects such as ananti-diarrhea effect (infantile diarrhea, travellers' diarrhea anddiarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics); an antiseptic effect(due to the production of bacteriocins, lactic acid and acetic acid andto the release of acetyl, acetic aldehyde, hydrogen peroxide and carbondioxide); an anti-tumoral effect (mainly located in the colon andrectum); and an immunomodulating effect (patients treated with thesestrains have better NK cell, antibody, phagocyte and cytokineresponses).

Moreover, a series of biological activities performed by these variousstrains is under discussion, and should soon be confirmed by furtherstudies, such as an anallergic activity (in the food sphere),anti-inflammatory activity (in the intestinal sphere), antioxidantactivity (with favourable repercussions on the atherosclerotic sphere),and liver-protecting activity (especially in the sphere associated withalcohol consumption).

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the mixture ofprobiotic components comprises Bifidobacterium longum and at least onefurther species selected from the group of bacteria consisting ofLactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillusrhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum.

In the aforementioned mixture of probiotic components, it is preferredthat that the Bifidobacterium longum is Bifidobacterium longum R175(“Rosell 175”), that the Lactobacillus helveticus is Lactobacillushelveticus R52 (“Rosell 52”); that the Lactobacillus rhamnosus isLactobacillus rhamnosus R11 (“Rosell 11”), and that the Lactobacillusplantarum is Lactobacillus plantarum R1012 (“Rosell 1012”).Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell 52 is also known in the industry as aLactobacillus acidophilus species and therefore as used herein,Lactobacillus helveticus R52 may also be known as Lactobacillusacidophilus R52.

Bifidobacterium longum R175 is available from Institut Rosell Inc.(Lallemand), Montreal, Qc, Canada under product code 75119.

Bifidobacterium longum R175 is a strict anaerobe, consisting ofGram+rods of various shapes, isolated or in pairs (1-1.5 μm×6 μm). Itforms small white colonies on selective media. Bifidobacterium longumR175 is heterofermentative and produces both, I-lactic acid and aceticacid during fermentation. It is catalase negative. In laboratoryconditions, Bifidobacterium longum R175 grows well in commerciallyavailable media for lactic acid bacteria (RCM) at 37° C. under anaerobicconditions. In particular, it is able to grow on the following sugars(API 50 CH results after 48 hours at 37° C.):

control − galactose + α-methyl-D-mannoside − melibiose + D-turanose +Glycerol − D-glucose + α-methyl-D-glucoside − sucrose + D-lyxose −Erythritol − D-fructose + N-acetylglucosamine − trehalose − D-tagatose −D-arabinose − D-mannose + amygdalin − inulin − D-fucose − L-arabinose +L-sorbose − arbutin − melezitose + L-fucose − Ribose − rhamnose −esculin − D-raffinose + D-arabitol − D-xylose + dulcitol − salicin −starch − L-arabitol − L-xylose − inositol − cellobiose − glycogen −gluconate − Adonitol − mannitol − maltose + xylitol − 2-ketogluconate −β-methylxyloside − sorbitol − lactose + β-gentobiose − 5-ketogluconate −

Moreover, Bifidobacterium longum R175 shows the following antibioticresistance profile:

Antimicrobial agent dose outcome Ampicillin 10 mcg susceptibleBacitracin 10 units susceptible cephalothin 30 mcg susceptiblechloramphenicol 30 mcg susceptible erythromycin 15 mcg susceptiblegentamycin 10 mcg resistant kanamycin 30 mcg resistant lincomycin 2 mcgintermediate Neomycin 30 mcg resistant nitrofurantoin 300 mcgsusceptible novobiocin 30 mcg susceptible penicillin G 10 unitssusceptible Polymyxin B 300 units resistant Rifampin 5 mcg susceptiblestreptomycin 10 mcg resistant sulfisoxazole 300 mcg resistanttetracycline 30 mcg susceptible Vancomycin 30 mcg susceptible

Lactobacillus helveticus R52 was registered with CNCM (Institut Pasteur)as number I-1722.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus R11 was registered with CNMC (Institut Pasteur)as number I-1720 and further under number 990411 at the Canadian FoodInspection Agency.

Lactobacillus plantarum R1012 was registered with CNMC (InstitutPasteur) as number MA 18/5U.

A particularly preferred mixture of probiotic components comprisesBifidobacterium longum, preferably Bifidobacterium longum R175 incombination with Lactobacillus, preferably Lactobacilths helveticus R52in combination with, and/or Lactobacillus plantarum, preferablyLactobacillus plantarum R1012.

The above-identified specific mixture of probiotics presentcharacteristics of stability, adherence, colonising and proliferationcapacity ideal for the purposes of the invention.

According to a preferred aspect thereof, the compositions according tothe invention will contain the species of bacteria which constitute themixture of probiotics in the following amounts:

-   -   Bifidobacterium longum 50 billion CFU/g;    -   Lactobacillus helveticus 150 billion CFU/g;    -   Lactobacillus plantarum 150 billion CFU/g

another aspect of the invention, the preferred mixture of probioticcomponents comprises Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

The above-identified specific mixtures of probiotics presentcharacteristics of stability, adherence, colonising and proliferationcapacility ideal for the purposes of the invention.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the compositions of the presentinvention will contain the species of bacteria which constitute themixture of probiotics in the following amounts:

-   -   Bifidobacterium longum 50 billion CFU/g    -   Lactobacillus rhamnosus 150 billion CFU/g.

In a preferred embodiment, the mixture of probiotic components comprisesBifidobacterium longum, preferably Bifidobacterium longum R175 andLactobacillus rhamnosus, preferably Lactobacillus rhamnosus R11.

In order to enhance and/or improve the survival of the probiotic speciesit is preferred that the probiotic species are combined with a carriercomprising non-probiotic ingredients that not only serve as a foodsource for the probiotics but also help to enhance the overalleffectiveness of the composition as a whole.

It has been demonstrated that when lactobacilli and bifidobacteria areadministered to modulate the intestinal flora, the effect can betransient, because the proliferation of exogenous bacteria can belimited. The inventors have shown that Bifidobacterium, specificallyBifidobacterium longum has poor survival when administered along.

Supplementation combined with prebiotics is required to solve thisproblem. The inventors have surprisingly found that when a probioticcomponent, more specifically Bifidobacterium longum, is administeredwith a carrier comprising a prebiotic, the survival of theBifidobacterium longum is improved and/or enhanced.

Prebiotics are substances used to provide suitable selective nutritionto specific bacterial groups, called the probiotic fraction, in order tosupport their resistance, colonising capacity and reproductive capacityin the intestine. In chemical terms, prebiotic substances correspond todigestible and indigestible carbohydrates and dietary fibers. Afterbeing ingested, these substances pass through nearly all of the uppergastrointestinal tract intact, without undergoing any digestive process.When they reach the colon, they represent the main nutrient substrate ofthe healthy/commensal bacteria whose presence is to be supported, whichcan use these substances and digest them so they serve as a nutrientsubstrate.

Not all the substances grouped under the term “prebiotic” have the samespecific features.

Prebiotics are a family of food ingredients which are very differentfrom one another, and which stimulate and facilitate the growth of somebacterial species in a different way from compound to compound.

The most widely studied prebiotics are inulin and fructooligosaccharides(FOS).

Inulin, described for the first time in the early 19th century, is foundin many plants. Inulin extracted from chicory is currently preferred fordietary use. The addition of inulin to a product (which makes it a“symbiotic”) guarantees the presence of the nutritional substrateessential to the physiological balance of the entire microbial flora.When inulin, a non-hydrolysable polysaccharide, breaks down (which canonly result from bacterial action), it reduces the intestinal pH, thuskeeping the environmental of the colon uninhabitable for pathogengrowth.

FOS are also widely used prebiotics. In chemical terms they areshort-chain fructans, and consequently soluble, with a degree ofpolymerisation not exceeding 8 carbohydrate units. From the biologicalstandpoint, the addition of this mixture of prebiotics appears to besuitable and successful: as recently reported, these prebioticsconsiderably modify the composition of the intestinal microflora, forexample increasing the bifidobacteria from 20 to 71% of the entireintestinal population.

The carrier for use in the probiotic compositions of the presentinvention preferably comprise a prebiotic, such as a fiber component.The prebiotic can serve as a food source for probiotic species such asLactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. In the upper gastrointenstinal tractthe Bifidobacterium do not growth because of the oxygen environment, butthe Lactobacillus can be metabolically active. If an organism'senzymatic processes become active, they will seek a source of food. Thesynergistic relationship between the Lactobacillus as probiotics and aprebiotic, preferably inulin can cause the lactobacilli to undergometabolic activity. This can be beneficial to the host as noted before,but would also mean that the cells may not survive the physiologicalaction within the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the positive synergisticrelationship between the Lactobacilli and the inulin in the upper GItract can be thought to enhance the immune-potentiating ability of theprobiotic containing compositions of the present invention, over that ofthe individual lactobacillus strains that do not have the prebioticpresent, but this synergistic relationship would be at the expense ofpercent cumulative survival.

The carrier compositions of the compositions of the present inventionfurther act to combat the microenvironment, typical of intestinaldisorders, which counteracts effective colonisation followingsupplementation with probiotics. Probiotics often find an environmentcharacterised by inflammation, alteration of tissue osmosis, andpro-oxidative situations, associated with the presence of free cations,which prevent probiotic colonisation. However, the composition thusdeveloped allows very high rates of gastroenteric colonisation becauseit prepares the substrate for effective colonisation simultaneously withthe arrival of the probiotic mixture.

As regards the prebiotic components, in this respect carbohydrates andfibers like GOS, xylooligosaccharides, indigestible maltodextrins,inulin, isomaltooligosaccharides, lactitol, lactulose andtransgalactooligosaccharides may be employed, even though inulin,fructose and/or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are particularly preferredin the context of the present invention. In a most preferred embodimentthe prebiotic component comprises inulin, fructose and/or FOS.

In a preferred embodiment the probiotic containing compositions of thepresent invention comprise one or more prebiotics in an amount up toabout 80% of the total composition. In a more preferred embodiment, theprebiotic is a combination of inulin and fructose. The inulin is presentin an amount of about 0 to about 100% of the carrier composition; morepreferably inulin is present in an amount of about 10 to about 100% ofthe carrier; most preferably the inulin is about 20% of the carrier. Thefructose is present in an amount of about 1 to about 100% of the carriercomposition; more preferably fructose is present in an amount of about 1to about 100% of the carrier composition; most preferably the fructoseis present in an amount greater than 50% of the carrier of thecomposition.

The carrier composition further comprises lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is aparticular glycoprotein with a weight of 80,000 daltons, which has beendescribed since 1939. It binds the free iron normally found in breastmilk, saliva, tears, the secondary secretory granules of theneutrophils, and the mucous secretions.

Lactoferrin has various activities, especially antibacterial andanti-inflammatory activity. As demonstrated by numerous studies,lactoferrin exhibits a particular affinity for bonding with the outerwall of Gram-negative bacteria and with free iron: by means of the firstaction mechanism, lactoferrin exerts its “killing” capacity onpathogenic bacteria, and by means of the second it chelates free ironand removes it from the microenvironment. Lactoferrin, as well aslimiting the intestinal growth of pathogenic bacteria, exertsanti-inflammatory and free-radical scavenging properties. This dualcapacity is particularly important in the intestine, where pathogenicbacteria sometimes find the ideal conditions for proliferatingdangerously, as the typical pH of this organ limits the correctoperation of transferrin, a protein normally responsible for removingfree iron, which is a source of free radicals and consequent damage tothe intestinal mucous membranes. In a preferred embodiment the carriercomposition comprises lactoferrin in an amount of about 0 to about 10%;more preferably the lactoferrin is present in an amount of about 0.1% toabout 5%; most preferably the lactoferrin is present in an amount ofabout 0.5%.

Lactoferrin has also been described to function as a prebiotic,providing a substrate for fermentation by commensal bacteria.

The mineral salts employed in the embodiments of the present inventionare one or more selected from the group consisting of magnesium,potassium, zinc, and optionally copper and the salts thereof, includingbut not limited to magnesium gluconate, potassium citrate, zincgluconate and copper citrate.

As is well-known, during illnesses, cell and tissue metabolism leads,especially if associated with a loss of liquids, to a loss of sodium,potassium, magnesium and chlorine. These electrolytes are essential tothe correct functioning of the muscle fibre cells (including the smoothintestinal muscle fibre cells), the electrolyte balance and the osmoticbalance of the cells and tissues. In particular, a reduction in thepotassium and magnesium reserves generates weakness, inefficient musclecontractions and a pulse transmission deficiency in the neuromuscularplate, cramps. The addition of magnesium and/or potassium preventsdeficiencies in the event of stress, infection, increased environmentaltemperature, physical effort, diarrhea, etc.

Magnesium is present in the carrier composition of the present inventionin an amount of about 0 to about 100%; more preferably magnesium ispresent in an amount of about 5 to about 20%; most preferably about 14to about 16% of the carrier composition. Most preferably the magnesiumis present as magnesium gluconate.

Potassium is present in the carrier composition of the present inventionin an amount of about 0 to about 100%; more preferably potassium ispresent in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10%; most preferably about 5%of the carrier composition. Most preferably the potassium is present aspotassium citrate.

Zinc is a vital element which is vital to support the activity of over100 enzymes, including DNA and RNA polymerases, where it operates as acoenzyme. A mild zinc deficiency leads to a slight hypofunction of theimmune system, with a consequently increased risk of cold-relateddisorders (such as parainfluenza and influenza syndromes). In children,a mild zinc deficiency may lead to a slight delay in growth, while aserious deficiency causes arrested growth and hypogonadism. Finally, theabsence of zinc during pregnancy is teratogenic. The presence of zincpromotes the functioning of the immune system. Zinc is present in thecarrier composition of the present invention in an amount of about 0 toabout 100%; more preferably zinc is present in an amount of about 0.1 toabout 20%; most preferably about 5% of the carrier composition. Mostpreferably the zinc is present as zinc gluconate.

Optionally, copper can be added to the carrier of the present invention.Copper is an element which is absorbed at intestinal level via specifictransport mechanisms. In the liver, it is conjugated with ceruloplasmin,as a result of which it is distributed in all tissues. It is excretedthrough the bile and faeces. In the tissues, copper is part of thestructure of numerous enzymes including amino-oxidase, iron-oxidase,superoxide dismutase, tyrosinase, etc. Copper deficiency, which isuncommon, can cause leucopenia, anaemia, musculoskeletal dysfunctions,and skin depigmentation. A deficiency during pregnancy can lead to alower birth weight of the baby. Copper, if present, normalises theimmune functions, above all helping to combat winter illnesses supportedby common viruses. Optionally, the carrier composition of the presentinvention may further comprise glutathione and/or arabinogalactaris.

Glutathione, also known as GSH, is a tripeptide consisting of glycine,cystine and glutamate. It operates inside the cells as a cofactor of theenzymes glutathione-transferase and glutathione-peroxidase, which areused by the cells to demolish lethal molecules such as hydrogenperoxide. Due to the presence of a sulphydryl group, glutathione canpass alternately from the reduced form to the oxidised form, acting asan antioxidant. Due to its ability to react with oxidising substancessuch as free radicals, hydroperoxides and lipoperoxides, it is thereforeessential, and is considered a key enzyme in preventing cell aging.Although it is a peptide, gastroprotection is unnecessary because it ispoorly hydrolysed by the gastric juices and the peptidases present. Oralabsorption is very good, and takes place in the intestine. It was alsoadministered recently at high doses to patients undergoing oncologicaland HIV treatment. The product is very safe. No toxicity data seem toexist. Patients' compliance and the tolerability of the product are alsovery high. Glutathione, if present, strengthens the body antioxidantdefences and prevents cell and tissue aging. Glutathione is present inthe carrier composition of the present invention in an amount of about 0to about 20%; more preferably glutathione is present in an amount ofabout 0.1 to about 5%; most preferably about 1% of the carriercomposition.

Arabinogalactans are polysaccharides with a high molecular weight(around 200,000 daltons), whose main chain Is a polymer of galacturonicacid which is partly carboxymethylated and acetylated in lateralpositions with rhamnogalacturonans: From the biological standpoint theyare strong macrophagic stimulators (in human and murine macrophages anexcellent increase in nitric oxide production is observed duringphagocytic activity if it is stimulated by these compounds) andstimulate the activity of the T cells (in both helper and cytotoxicpopulations).

Arabinogalactans, if present, perform an immunostimulating action andboost the response to infection by pathogens. More in particular, theoptional addition of a potent unabsorbed T-specific immunogen(arabinogalactan) may allow activation of the local T-specific response,which takes place in the lymph node areas of the intestine (Peyer'spatches), thus causing a reduction in the pathogenic fractionsimultaneously with the arrival of the pyogenic probiotic fraction. Thesimultaneity of the two events further facilitates the events ofcolonisation and proliferation, which are otherwise rendered difficultby the T-sensitive pathogenic fraction.

Optionally, the compositions of the present invention further comprisesaccharomycetes or yeasts. The presence of saccharomycetes or yeasts (ifused) is justified by the fact that they release trace elements andvitamins with nutritional value and compete with pathogens. Yeasts mayalso be employed in the form of a lysate enriched with glucans, i.e.polysaccharide structures which limit bacterial adherence of pathogensto the intestinal mucosa. According to a preferred embodiment, thecompositions according to the invention may contain in particularSaccharomyces cerevisae and/or boulardii. According to a particularlypreferred embodiment, the Saccharomyces boulardii employed by thepresent invention is Saccharomyces boulardii ATCC 74012.

As regards the further optional addition of ingredients which are notdirectly probiotic, their main aim is likewise to provide an additionalprebiotic advantage; the foregoing applies e.g. to cysteinetransporters, such as N-acetylcysteine and the like; the same applies toingredients with a chelating action on free cations and anions likeprocyanidins, anthocyans and catechins with any degree ofpolymerisation, and the like; and the same applies to elements whichalready modulate the immune response at enteric level, like the variousspecies of Echinacea, Uncaria and Astragalus. Finally, the same appliesto the addition of macro- or micronutrients and water- or fat-solublevitamins. Lastly, the addition of antioxidants may further have aprotective effect upon the probiotics contained in the compositions ofthe present invention.

It has been found that the compositions according to the inventionpossess a considerable health-improving activity, maintain and/orrestore intestinal health, prevent the consequences of stress andperform an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating action. At the sametime, they guarantee effective colonisation. The effect of thecompositions according to the invention is greater than that obtainedfollowing separate administration of the individual components of thecombination, apparently due to synergy between the various components.

Particularly preferred compositions of the present invention contain:

-   -   a) a mixture of probiotic components comprising Bifidobacterium        longum R175, Lactobacillus helveticus R52, and Lactobacillus        plantarum R1012;    -   b) a carrier comprising:        -   1) prebiotic component comprising inulin and fructose:        -   2) lactoferrin;        -   3) a mixture of mineral salts consisting of magnesium,            potassium, and zinc salts;    -   and        -   4) glutathione.

In a most preferred embodiment, the compositions of the presentinvention contain:

-   -   a) a mixture of probiotic components comprising Bifidobacterium        longum 50 billion CFU/g; Lactobacillus helveticus 150 billion        CFU/g; and Lactobacillus plantarum 150 billion CFU/g; and    -   b) a carrier comprising:        -   1) a mixture of prebiotics comprising about 80% of the total            carrier composition wherein the prebiotics are inulin and            fructose, wherein the inulin is present in an amount of            about 10 to about 100% of the carrier composition; most            preferably the inulin is about 20% of the carrier and            fructose is present in an amount of about 1 to about 100% of            the carrier composition; more preferably fructose is present            in an amount of about 1 to about 100% of the carrier            composition; most preferably the fructose is present in an            amount greater than 50% of the carrier of the composition;        -   2) lactoferrin in an amount of about 0 to about 10%; more            preferably the lactoferrin is present in an amount of about            0.1% to about 5%; most preferably the lactoferrin is present            in an amount of about 0.5%;        -   3) mineral salts selected from the group consisting of            magnesium, potassium and zinc salts, wherein magnesium is            present in the carrier composition of the present invention            in an amount of about 0 to about 100%; more preferably in an            amount of about 5 to about 20%; most preferably about 14 to            about 16% of the carrier composition and the magnesium is            magnesium gluconate; wherein the potassium is present in an            amount of about 0 to about 100%; more preferably potassium            is present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10%; most            preferably about 5% of the carrier composition and further            the potassium is potassium citrate; and further wherein the            zinc is present is present in the carrier composition of the            present invention in an amount of about 0 to about 100%;            more preferably zinc is present in an amount of about 0.1 to            about 20%; most preferably about 5% of the carrier            composition and wherein the zinc is present as zinc            gluconate; and        -   4) glutathione, wherein the glutathione is present in the            carrier composition of the present invention in an amount of            about 0 to about 20%; more preferably glutathione is present            in an amount of about 0.1 to about 5%; most preferably about            1% of the carrier composition.

Further particularly preferred compositions of the present inventioncontain:

-   -   a) a mixture of probiotic components comprising Bifidobacterium        longum R175 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus R11; and Saccharomyces        boulardii; and    -   b) a carrier comprising:        -   1) a prebiotic component consisting of inulin and fructose;        -   2) lactoferrin;        -   3) a mixture of mineral salts consisting of magnesium,            potassium salts and zinc salts; and        -   4) glutathione.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the hereindescribed compositions will be used to prepare diet supplements.

The compositions according to the invention could be formulated suitablyfor oral administration, and will be prepared according to conventionalmethods well known in pharmaceutical technology, such as those describedin Remington's Pharmaceutical Handbook, Mack Publishing Co., N.Y., USA,using excipients, diluents, fillers and anti-caking agents acceptablefor their final use. Exemplary additional ingredients include citricacid, magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide and other ingredients one skilledin the art would appreciate.

The compositions according to the invention could be formulated, forexample, in the form of soluble sachets, orally soluble forms, capsules,tablets chewable tablets, multi-layer tablets with time- andpH-dependent release, and granulates.

The compositions of the present invention can be used to enhance and/orimprove the viability and survivability of the probiotic species, moreparticularly to enhance and/or improve the viability of Bifidobacteriumlongum. Said methods comprise mixing the probiotic component thatcomprises Bifidobacterium longum alone or in combination with one ormore probiotic species and a carrier comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of one or more prebiotics; a therapeutically effectiveamount of one or more mineral salts;

a therapeutically effective amount of lactoferrin and optionally, atherapeutically effective amount of glutathione. As used herein,“amount” refers to quantity or to concentration as appropriate to thecontext. The amount of a material that constitutes a therapeuticallyeffective amount varies according to factors such as the potency,efficacy, and the like, of the particular material, the route ofadministration, and on the dosage form used. A therapeutically effectiveamount of a particular material can be selected by those of ordinaryskill in the art with due consideration of such factors. Theconcentration of the material depends on the desired dosage.

The such formulated compositions, as herein described, are stable uponstorage at room temperature.

Additionally, the compositions of the present invention can also be usedto improve and/or enhance the therapeutic effect of the probioticmaterials. Since the compositions of the invention have exhibit improvedprobiotic survival, the formulations are believed to have greaterefficacy since a greater amount of the probiotic survives transitthrough both the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Accordingly,the compositions of the present invention can be used to improve and/orenhance the gastrointestinal health and/or immunity in a human subjectin need thereof.

Some examples of formulations according to the invention are set outbelow. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters settingforth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. The following examples are intended toillustrate the invention without limiting the scope as a result.

The following Examples are offered to illustrate the claimed method andits practice.

EXAMPLES Example 1

NAME OF COMPONENT mg/sachet Probiotic Material: Lactobacillus helveticusRosell 52 150 billion CFU/g 73.333 Bifidobacterium longum R175  50billion CFU/g 20.000 Lactobacillus plantarum Rosell 1012 150 billionCFU/g 20.000 Carrier material: Magnesium oxide 41.446 Magnesiumgluconate 341.297 Potassium citrate 138.290 Zinc gluconate 111.111Glutathione 20.000 Lactoferrin 11.364 Copper citrate 2.834 Inulin500.000 Fructose 1291.125 Additional (optional) excipients Sucralose4.000 Acesulfame K 12.000 Flavouring 150.000 Aerosil 200 40.000Colouring: E124 2.200 Colouring: E102 1.000 Anhydrous citric acid220.000

The formulation described above is prepared as follows: LactobacillusPlantarum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Bifidobacterium longum, are mixedwith inulin and blended at 32 rpm for approximately 10 min. Thereafter,fructose, magnesium gluconate, zinc gluconate, citric acid, flavor,potassium citrate, magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide, glutathione,potassium acesulfame, lactoferrine, and sucralose are added to themixture and blended at 32 rpm for another 10 min.

Example 2

NAME OF COMPONENT mg/sachet Probiotic materials: Saccharomyces boulardii20 billion CFU/g 100.000 Bifidobacterium longum R175 50 billion CFU/g20.000 Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell 11 150 billion CFU/g  46.667Carrier materials: Magnesium gluconate 511.945 Zinc gluconate 50.000Lactoferrin 11.364 Fructose 2585.024 Inulin 500.000 Additional(optional) excipients Apricot flavouring 502168AP0551 70.000 Anhydrouscitric acid 50.000 Colouring: 1% betacarotene 28.000 Sucralose 7.000Aerosil 200 20.000 TOTAL 4000.00

Example 3

NAME OF COMPONENT mg/sachet Probiotic materials: Lactobacillushelveticus Rosell 52 150 billion CFU/g 73.333 Bifidobacterium longumR175  50 billion CFU/g 20.000 Lactobacillus plantarum Rosell 1012 150billion CFU/g 20.000 Carrier: Magnesium oxide 41.446 Magnesium gluconate341.297 Potassium citrate 138.290 Zinc gluconate 111.111 Glutathione20.000 Lactoferrin 11.364 Inulin 500.000 Fructose 1335.678 Additional(optional) excipients: Sucralose 4.000 Acesulfame K 12.000 Flavouring150.000 Aerosil 200 40.000 Colouring: E124 2.200 Colouring: E102 1.000Anhydrous citric acid 220.000 TOTAL 3000.00

The formulation described above is prepared as follows: Lactobacillusplantarum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Bifidobacterium longum, are mixedwith inulin and blended at 32 rpm for approximately 10 min. Thereafter,fructose, magnesium gluconate, zinc gluconate, citric acid, flavor,potassium citrate, magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide, glutathione,potassium acesulfame, lactoferrine, and sucralose are added to themixture and blended at 32 rpm for another 10 min.

Example 4

The probiotic species contained in the formulation described in Example3 were tested to determine the survival rate of the probiotics. Survivalof the probiotic strains in the composition of the present invention ascompared to the individual strains, were tested in a dynamic, in vitromodel of the upper gastrointestinal tract, also known as TIM-1. TheTIM-1 model can simulate conditions in the gastric chamber and smallintestine of the human, and thus can be used to evaluate percentcumulative survival of probiotics as they transit the uppergastrointestinal tract.

The composition of Example 3 tested in TIM-1 contained a total amount ofprobiotic cells (colony forming units, or CFU) of 9.81×10E9 CFU onenumeration. When the individual levels of the probiotic strainscontained in the composition of Example 3 were assessed, the amount ofeach strain quantified by microbial plating was:

Lactobacillus helveticus 8.0×10E9 CFU

Lactobacillus plantarum 8.7×10E8 CFU

Bifidobacterium longum 9.1×10 E8 CFU

The level quantified for each probiotic strain in the composition ofExhibit 3 was the target level used when testing the individual strainsin the TIM-1 model. In other words, the level of the probiotic strains,whether in the product or individually, was set to be 8×10E9CFU for L.helveticus, 8.7×10E8 CFU for L. plantarum and 9.1×10E8 CFU for B.longum.

In the actual experiments, the individual probiotic strains and thecomposition of Exhibit 3 are administered with a meal (light Europeancontinental breakfast). So, the final amount of each strain, when mixedwith the meal, was confirmed and thus, the average starting level foreach probiotic that was used, both individually as well as in thecomposition of Exhibit 3, was:

Lactobacillus helveticus 8.6×10E9 CFU;

Lactobacillus plantarum 7.0×10E8 CFU;

Bifidobacterium longum 1.4×10E9 CFU.

The results of the TIM-1 test are outlined in the Table below:

% cumula- Avg % Colony tive cumulative Forming Units Probiotic Strainsurvival survival (CFU) Lactobacillus Run 1a 2.20 1.4 1.2 × 10E8 CFUhelveticus Run 2a 0.44 Run 1b 2.55 Run 2b 0.49 Lactobacillus Run 1a12.45 9.7 6.8 × 10E7 CFU plantarum Run 2a 5.63 Run 1b 12.92 Run 2b 7.77Bifidobacterium Run 1a 29.55 42.9 6.0 × 10E8 CFU longum Run 2a 31.20 Run1b 68.55 Run 2b 42.11

Thereafter, each of the strains identified below were individuallytested through the TIM-1. The data is presented below in the tablebelow.

% cumula- Avg % Colony tive cumulative Forming Units Probiotic Strainsurvival survival (CFU) Lactobacillus Run 1 13.11 13.1 1.1 × 10E9 CFUhelveticus Run 2 13.15 Lactobacillus Run 1 45.17 39.2 2.7 × 10E8 CFUplantarum Run 2 33.24 Bifidobacterium Run 1 0.01 0.02 2.8 × 10E5 CFUlongum Run 2 0.02

These data show that there is a synergistic effect of the composition.More specifically, the number of Bifidobacterium longum probiotic cellsthat survive transit thru the upper gastrointestinal tract is more than1000-fold more (greater than 3_(log 10)) than when tested without theother probiotics and carrier. The Bifidobacterium longum whenadministered independent of the composition of the invention did notdemonstrate robust survival. In fact the Bifidobacterium longum had onlya 0.02% cumulative survival when administered by itself compared to42.9% cumulative survival when administered in combination withLactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus plantarum and the carriercomprising: a prebiotic (inulin and fructose), zinc gluconate, magnesiumgluconate, potassium citrate; glutathione and lactoferrin; andoptionally citric acid, magnesium oxide and silicon dioxide.

Example 5

The probiotic species contained in the formulation described in Example3 were tested to determine the survival rate of the probiotics. Survivalof the probiotic strains in the composition of the present invention ascompared to the individual strains, were tested in a dynamic, in vitromodel of the lower gastrointestinal tract, also known as TIM-2. TheTIM-2 in vitro gastrointestinal model simulates to a high degree thedynamic processes in the (proximal part of the) large intestine, andthis system has been validated successfully with regards to the numberand ratio of the various micro-organisms which are similar incomposition and metabolic activity with that of the human colon.

The individual probiotic strains in the formulation of Example 3 and theformulation of Example 3 were tested separately in TIM-2. All runs inTIM-2 were carried out in duplicate. In each run, the formulation to betested was introduced into a TIM-2 system which was inoculated with astandardized dense microbiota prepared from fecal material of healthyhuman adults. The formulation was added to the system once a day. Astandardized meal (SIEM; Standard Heal Efflux Medium, containing amongstothers (g/day): 0.6 pectin, 0.6 xylan, 0.6 arabinogalactan, 0.6amylopectin, 3.0 casein, 5.0 starch, 2.16 Tween 80, 3.0 bactopepton,0.05 bile) was continuously fed to TIM-2. As a control, a standard TIM-2run (with only SIEM added) was performed in duplicate. The effect of theformulation on the metabolic activity and composition of the microbiotawas determined and compared to the control.

During the fermentation runs in the TIM-2 system, 24 h sampling wasdone. The lumen and dialysis samples were analysedgas-chromatographically on the concentrations of SCFA and BCFA.Additional samples were analyzed enzymatically for lactate and ammonia.The concentrations of these metabolites found in the lumen and dialysissamples were collectively used to calculate the cumulative production ofthe metabolites in time.

Short-chain fatty acids and lactate are considered beneficial microbialmetabolites. L-lactate is considered more beneficial than 0-lactate.Lactate only accumulates when there is a fast fermentation. Ifsubstrates are fermented slowly, lactate is converted into othermetabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, and does not accumulate.

The results of the TIM-2 study are summarized in the tables below.

Cumulative SCFA production (mmol) in time of all TIM-2 variables #14-03,run 1 #14-03, run 2 average range #14-03 ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi-n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- time (h) tate onate ratetotal tate onate rate total tate onate rate total tate onate rate total0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 19.21 5.06 9.25 33.52 17.20 2.80 5.91 25.91 18.20 3.93 7.5829.72 1.00 1.13 1.67 3.80 48 49.32 32.26 16.32 97.90 45.23 14.61 12.9772.80 47.27 23.43 14.65 85.35 2.05 8.83 1.68 12.55 72 79.71 61.72 25.90167.33 84.18 45.46 19.36 149.00 81.94 53.59 22.63 158.16 2.24 8.13 3.279.17 #15-03, run 1 #15-03, run 2 average range #15-03 ace- propi-n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- time(h) tate onate rate total tate onate rate total tate onate rate totaltate onate rate total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24 21.86 11.44 11.04 44.34 31.6510.13 11.17 52.95 26.75 10.78 11.10 48.64 4.90 0.65 0.06 4.30 48 49.0135.14 20.26 104.41 53.22 25.18 25.13 103.54 51.12 30.16 22.70 103.982.11 4.98 2.44 0.44 72 67.53 52.74 29.94 150.20 72.43 36.35 44.41 153.1969.98 44.54 37.17 151.70 2.45 8.19 7.24 1.49 #16-03, run 1 #16-03, run 2average range #16-03 ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi-n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- time (h) tate onate rate total tate onaterate total tate onate rate total tate onate rate total 0 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2424.33 11.47 8.34 44.14 12.33 5.36 6.99 24.68 18.33 8.42 7.67 34.41 6.003.05 0.68 9.73 48 49.13 36.05 17.04 102.22 44.50 33.21 17.60 95.31 46.8234.63 17.32 98.77 2.32 1.42 0.28 3.45 72 75.10 58.48 29.83 163.41 63.0855.35 29.93 148.36 69.09 56.92 29:88 155.88 6.01 1.56 0.05 7.52 #17-03,run 1 #17-03, run 2 average range #17-03 ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi-n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- time (h) tate onate ratetotal tate onate rate total tate onate rate total tate onate rate total0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 28.71 7.81 10.66 47.18 22.04 10.17 8.93 41.15 25.38 8.999.80 44.16 3.33 1.18 0.87 3.02 48 59.55 24.69 22.24 106.47 44.98 34.3318.07 97.38 52.26 29.51 20.15 101.93 7.28 4.82 2.08 4.55 72 87.63 38.7137.15 163.50 63.23 53.22 33.15 149.60 75.43 45.97 35.15 156.55 12.207.26 2.00 6.95 #18-03, run 1 #18-03, run 2 average range #18-03 ace-propi- n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi- n-buty- ace- propi-n-buty- time (h) tate onate rate total tate onate rate total tate onaterate total tate onate rate total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24 21.48 11.71 6.67 39.8619.46 10.54 8.07 38.07 20.47 11.12 7.37 38.97 1.01 0.59 0.70 0.89 4846.86 39.89 13.70 100.45 47.04 39.99 15.84 102.86 46.95 39.94 14.77101.66 0.09 0.05 1.07 1.21 72 71.01 65.82 25.89 162.72 68.70 61.95 27.23157.88 69.85 63.89 26.56 160.30 1.15 1.94 0.67 2.42 #14-03 = Example 3formula; #15-03 = L. helveticus R-52; #16-03 = L. plantarum R-1012;#17-03 = B. longum R-175; #18-03 = Control

Cumulative lactate production (mmol) in time of all TIM-2 variables#14-03 #14-03, run 1 #14-03, run 2 average range time (h) L D total L Dtotal L D total L 0 total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 24 13.85 6.76 20.60 18.69 10.63 29.32 16.27 8.69 24.962.42 1.93 4.36 48 22.32 10.41 32.73 35.33 18.47 53.80 28.82 14.44 43.266.51 4.03 10.54 72 27.35 12.57 39.92 41.42 20.69 62.11 34.38 16.63 51.017.04 4.06 11.10 #15-03 #15-03, run 1 #15-03, run 2 average range time(h) L D total L D total L D total L D total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24 −0.74 0.84 0.10 0.00 0.40 0.40−0.37 0.62 0.25 0.37 0.22 0.15 48 0.56 2.08 2.64 0.86 1.17 2.04 0.711.63 2.34 0.15 0.45 0.30 72 2.15 3.68 5.83 1.33 1.67 3.00 1.74 2.67 4.420.41 1.01 1.42 #16-03 #16-03, run 1 #16-03, run 2 average range time (h)L D total L D total L D total L D total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24 0.17 0.34 0.51 0.79 1.67 2.46 0.48 1.001.48 0.31 0.67 0.97 48 1.99 2.02 4.01 2.32 2.82 5.14 2.16 2.42 4.58 0.170.40 0.56 72 2.74 2.72 5.46 2.76 3.21 5.97 2.75 2.97 5.72 0.01 0.25 0.25#17-03 #17-03, run 1 #17-03, run 2 average range time (h) L D total L Dtotal L D total L D total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 24 0.36 0.46 0.82 1.63 2.83 4.46 1.00 1.64 2.64 0.63 1.191.82 48 2.13 1.94 4.07 2.59 3.80 6.40 2.36 2.87 5.23 0.23 0.93 1.16 722.54 2.53 5.07 2.99 4.27 7.26 2.76 3.40 6.16 0.23 0.87 1.09 #18-03#18-03, run 1 #18-03, run 2 average range time (h) L D total L D total LD total L D total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 −0.12 1.11 0.99 2.58 3.10 5.68 1.23 2.10 3.33 1.35 0.992.35 48 1.31 2.37 3.68 3.49 3.93 7.42 2.40 3.15 5.55 1.09 0.78 1.87 724.13 5.15 9.29 4.01 4.47 8.48 4.07 4.81 8.88 0.06 0.34 0.41 #14-03 =Example 3 formula; #15-03 = L. helveticus R-52; #16-03 = L. plantarumR-1012; #17-03 = B. longum R-175; #18-03 = Control

Cumulative BCFA production (mmol) in time of all TIM-2 variables #14-03#14-03, run 1 #14-03, run 2 average range time (h) i-butyrate i-valeratetotal i-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyratei-valerate total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0048 0.00 0.07 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.04 0.00 0.04 0.04 72 0.000.53 0.53 0.14 0.60 0.74 0.07 0.56 0.63 0.07 0.03 0.10 #15-03 #15-03,run 1 #15-03, run 2 average range time (h) i-butyrate i-valerate totali-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyratei-valerate total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 0.00 0.14 0.14 0.00 0.11 0.11 0.00 0.12 0.12 0.00 0.01 0.0148 0.00 0.69 0.69 0.13 0.97 1.11 0.07 0.83 0.90 0.07 0.14 0.21 72 0.001.38 1.38 0.73 2.39 3.13 0.37 1.89 2.25 0.37 0.51 0.87 #16-03 #16-03,run 1 #16-03, run 2 average range time (h) i-butyrate i-valerate totali-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyratei-valerate total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 0.00 0.14 0.14 0.00 0.09 0.09 0.00 0.11 0.11 0.00 0.03 0.0348 0.00 0.71 0.71 0.00 0.79 0.79 0.00 0.75 0.75 0.00 0.04 0.04 72 0.511.54 2.06 0.16 1.52 1.68 0.34 1.53 1.87 0.18 0.01 0.19 #17-03 #17-03,run 1 #17-03, run 2 average range time (h) i-butyrate i-valerate totali-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyratei-valerate total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 0.00 0.06 0.06 0.10 0.22 0.32 0.05 0.14 0.19 0.05 0.08 0.1348 0.00 0.49 0.49 0.16 1.04 1.19 0.08 0.76 0.84 0.08 0.28 0.35 72 0.461.71 2.17 0.21 1.77 1.98 0.33 1.74 2.07 0.12 0.03 0.10 #18-03 #18-03,run 1 #18-03. run 2 average range time (h) i-butyrate i-valerate totali-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyrate i-valerate total i-butyratei-valerate total 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 0.00 0.07 0.07 0.26 0.25 0.50 0.13 0.16 0.29 0.13 0.09 0.2148 0.12 0.84 0.96 1.03 1.43 2.45 0.57 1.13 1.70 0.45 0.29 0.75 72 0.571.72 2.29 1.60 2.27 3.87 1.09 1.99 3.08 0.51 0.28 0.79 #14-03 = Example3 formula; #15-03 = L. helveticus R-52; #16-03 = L. plantarum R-1012;#17-03 = B. longum R-175; #18-03 = Control

Cumulative ammonia production (mmol) in time of all TIM-2 variables#14-03 time (h) run 1 run 2 average range  0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24 5.166.65 5.91 0.74 48 17.43 19.75 18.59 1.16 72 33.83 39.82 36.82 2.99 L.helveticus #15-03 R-52 time (h) run 1 run 2 average range  0 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 24 14.44 13.46 13.95 0.49 48 31.76 32.18 31.97 0.21 72 52.7957.40 55.09 2.31 L. plantarum #16-03 R-1012 time (h) run 1 run 2 averagerange  0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24 12.68 14.03 13.35 0.68 48 30.71 34.6632.68 1.97 72 51.41 54.10 52.75 1.35 B. longum #17-03 R-175 time (h) run1 run 2 average range  0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24 12.82 13.86 13.34 0.5248 29.71 34.52 32.11 2.41 72 53.08 52.72 52.90 0.18 #18-03 Control time(h) run 1 run 2 average range  0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 24 10.90 11.8111.36 0.45 48 30.97 34.32 32.65 1.68 72 49.83 53.85 51.84 2.01 #14-03 =Example 3 formula; #15-03 = L. helveticus R-52; #16-03 = L. plantarumR-1012; #17-03 = B. longum R-175; #18-03 = Control

In the TIM-2 study, the cumulative production of lactate in mmol forruns in which the individual strains were added (#15-03 to #17-03), weresimilar to the control (#18-03). However, it was surprisingly found thatin the TIM-2 runs in which the formula of Example 3 was added (#14-03),lactate production was much higher. This high lactate production for theformula of Example 3 indicates fast fermentation. Although we do notwish to be bound by theory, this surprising result is likely to be dueto the excipient material which is part of the formula of Example 3, forexample the fructose and inulin. Furthermore, the proportion of D- toL-lactate in the runs in which the individual strains were added weresimilar to the control, but the runs in which the formula of Example 3was added surprisingly produced a much higher proportion of the morebeneficial L-lactate than the control.

The toxic metabolites BCFA (iso-butyrate and iso-valerate) and ammoniaare metabolites produced from protein fermentation. BCFA were producedin small amounts in every run. This is expected as there is sufficientcarbohydrate present in the system to prevent protein fermentation. Thecontrol (variable #18-03) gave the highest BCFA production (3.08 mmol).The variables with the individual strains (#15-03, #16-03 and #17-03)gave similar, but slightly lower BCFA production compared to thecontrol. The formula of Example 3 (#14-03) gave lowest BCFA production,which presumably is the effect of the excipient matrix.

The amount of ammonia produced was similar for the individual strainscompared to the control. For the formula of Example 3, total ammoniaproduction after 72 hours was lowest, which corresponds with the lowBCFA production and high lactate production which was found for thisformula.

The formula of Example 3 also appears to have had some positiveinfluence on the metabolic activity of the microbiota. To determinewhether the tested Wyeth materials had an effect on the composition ofthe microbiota, the TNO I-Chip platform was used. The TNO I-Chipcontains roughly 350 probes, some for group-level detection (e.g., totalbifidobacteria), and some for detection of individual species (e.g.,Bifidobacterium longum). The microbiota composition was measured at thebeginning (t0) and the end (t72) of the TIM-2 runs. The change over timewas compared to the change over time in microbiota composition of thecontrol variable (#18-03). The B. longum R-175 probe showed a 10-foldincrease of the signal of that probe for the formula of Example 3(#14-03) and a 20-fold increase for the B. longum run (#17-03).

1. A probiotic composition comprising: a) one or more probioticcomponents, comprising Bifidobacterium longum R175 and at least onespecies of bacteria selected from the group of bacteria consisting ofLactobacillus rhamnosus R11, Lactobacillus helveticus R52 andLactobacillus plantarum R1012; and b) a carrier compositioncomprising: 1) one or more prebiotic components; 2) lactoferrin; 3) oneor more mineral salts; and optionally 4) glutathione.
 2. The compositionof claim 1 wherein the prebiotic components are selected from inulin,fructose, fructooligosaccharides and mixtures thereof.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the mineral salts are one or moreselected from the group consisting of magnesium, potassium, copper andzinc salts.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the magnesium ismagnesium gluconate, the potassium is potassium citrate, the zinc iszinc gluconate, and the copper is copper citrate.
 5. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the probiotics are present in an amount of at leastabout: Bifidobacterium longum 50 billion CFU/g; Lactobacillus helveticus150 billion CFU/g; and Lactobacillus plantarum 150 billion CFU/g.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein: a) the probiotic components comprise atleast about 50 billion CFU/g Bifidobacterium longum R175; at least about150 billion CFU/g Lactobacillus helveticus R52; and at least about 150billion CFU/g Lactobacillus plantarum R1012; and b) the carriercomposition comprises: 1) a mixture of prebiotics comprising about 80%of the total carrier composition; 2) lactoferrin in an amount up toabout 10% of the total carrier composition; 3) mineral salts selectedfrom the group consisting of magnesium, potassium and zinc salts; andoptionally 4) glutathione, wherein the glutathione in an amount of about0 to about 20% of the carrier composition.
 7. The composition of claim6, wherein the prebiotics are a mixture of inulin and fructose.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 7 wherein the inulin comprises about 20% and thefructose comprises about 50% of the weight of of the carriercomposition.
 9. The composition of claim 6, wherein the magnesium ismagnesium gluconate, the zinc is zinc gluconate, and the potassium ispotassium citrate.
 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein: themagnesium gluconate is in an amount of about 14% to about 16% of thecarrier composition; the zinc gluconate is in an amount of about 5% ofthe carrier composition; and/or the potassium citrate is present in anamount of about 5% of the carrier composition.
 11. The composition ofclaim 6, further comprising one or more additives chosen from the groupconsisting of pharmaceutically acceptable flavourings, preservatives,colorants, sweeteners, excipients, diluents, fillers and anti-cakingagents.
 12. A probiotic composition comprising a) a mixture of probioticcomponents consisting of Bifidobacterium longum R175 and Lactobacillusrhamnosus R11; b) a prebiotic component comprising inulin and fructose;c) lactoferrin; d) a mixture of mineral salts comprising magnesium andzinc salts; and e) Saccharomyces boulardii.
 13. A method for themaintenance and/or restoration of intestinal health and for preventingdysbioses of any aetiology in mammals comprising administering to amammal the composition of claim
 1. 14. A method of improving thesurvivability of Bifidobacterium longum R175 bacteria comprising mixingthe Bifidobacterium longum R175 with Lactobacillus helveticus R52 andLactobacillus plantarum R1012, wherein the survival of theBifidobacterium longum R175 in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal isimproved.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising mixing theBifidobacterium longum R175, Lactobacillus helveticus R52 andLactobacillus plantarum R1012 with one or more prebiotic components, oneor more mineral salts, and lactoferrin.
 16. The method of claim 15wherein the prebiotic components comprise inulin and fructose, and themineral salts are selected from the group consisting of magnesiumgluconate, potassium citrate and zinc gluconate.
 17. A method ofimproving the colon health of a mammal comprising administering to saidmammal the composition of claim
 1. 18. A method of providingBifidobacterium longum R175 to the colon of a mammal comprisingadministering to said mammal the composition of claim 1.